The Newcomers
The Chronicles of Touperdu, Book I
by Pam Troy
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Pub Date Jun 09 2026 | Archive Date Jul 09 2026
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Description
It is 1880, and immigrants are flocking to a new refuge from the economic and racial turmoil of the late nineteenth century.
For New Orleans chef Amadeo Roselyn, the Isle of Touperdu is where he can open his own restaurant and raise his daughters as educated, marriageable ladies in a place free of the violence roiling the post-Reconstruction era south. For Gwennoelle Duday, the matriarch of a rackety family of witches from the French village of Fourche, it is where the Dudays can act freely, unfettered by other people of “talent” and any foolish talk of rules and higher law.
But the night before they disembark, a question troubles both Amadeo in first class, and Madame Duday in steerage. It is one that will haunt them for years after they step onto the island — is the promise of Touperdu a lie?
The Newcomers is the first novel in a series set on the fictional island of Touperdu, where the lines blur between superstition and magic, legend and history, promises and betrayal. Two immigrant families confront the question all outsiders face when they enter a new world. What can you do — and what will you give up — to truly belong?
Advance Praise
The Newcomers is impossible to put down, with its unforgettable characters, the fascinating families they belong to, and the brilliantly imagined world of Touperdu. Exploring themes of immigration, ambition, and belonging, Troy has created an epic tale rich in historical detail, weaving realism with magic. It’s a true pleasure to get lost in this world!
--Angie Ellis, Author of A Snake and a Feathered Bird
Marketing Plan
- Launch event at the Mechanics' Institute June 2026
- Featured author at the 2026 SF in SF (Science Fiction, San Francisco)
- Author essays
- Trade review and fantasy magazine blog reviews
- Launch event at the Mechanics' Institute June 2026
- Featured author at the 2026 SF in SF (Science Fiction, San Francisco)
- Author essays
- Trade review and fantasy magazine blog reviews
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9798897400089 |
| PRICE | $22.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 448 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 8 members
Featured Reviews
Ariel R, Reviewer
Really neat writing. Loved the characters. Loved the world. Throughly enjoyed the story. Can’t wait to see the other books in this world.
Sharon G, Reviewer
Thank you to Sibylline Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
An Enchanting Start to a New Historical Fantasy Series
Pam Troy’s debut, The Newcomers, is the kind of book that feels like a warm, slow-simmering stew—it takes its time to develop, but the richness of the world-building makes it well worth the wait. As the first installment of The Chronicles of Touperdu, this novel does an exceptional job of establishing a unique setting that blends 19th-century history with a subtle, grounded sense of magic.
The story follows two families arriving on the mysterious Isle of Touperdu in 1880. Troy's prose is elegant and the pace is decidedly gentle, yet I found it consistently engaging. She doesn’t rush the plot; instead, she lets the atmosphere of the island soak in, making the "story building" one of the book's greatest strengths.
If there is a minor hurdle, it’s the sheer size of the cast. In the first few chapters, I found myself flipping back a few times to keep track of who was who among the Roselyn and Duday families. It can be a bit confusing at the start, but once you settle into their individual rhythms, the characters begin to stand out.
What really kept me turning the pages was the tantalizing way Troy handles character backgrounds. Many backstories are only briefly mentioned or hinted at, leaving their full histories frustratingly, yet effectively, shrouded in mystery. It left me wondering exactly where certain figures fit into the larger puzzle of the island.
Pleasantly, the book avoids a massive, heart-stopping cliffhanger. It reaches a satisfying resting point for this first leg of the journey, yet provides enough intrigue and unanswered questions to make me immediately want to pick up Book 2. If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction with a touch of the supernatural, this is a strong recommendation.
5 Excellent read, loved it.
4 Enjoyable read, Liked It.
3 Average read, OK and passed the time
2 Below average read, MEH
1 Regrettable read, nearly a DNF
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